Traceable fiber using ferrule and cap at fan-out kit

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including a first ferrule, a second ferrule and a tracing fiber. The first ferrule may comprise a cap. The second ferrule may comprise the cap. The tracing fiber may be configured to propagate light from the first ferrule to the second ferrule. The first ferrule may enable the light to be directed into the tracing fiber when the cap is removed. The cap of the second ferrule may be configured to scatter the light to provide an omnidirectional emission of the light from the second ferrule. The tracing fiber may be bundled with one or more data carrying lines in a cable. Each of the data carrying lines may be configured to enable a communication of data. The tracing fiber may be configured to propagate the light without interrupting the communication of data.

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/400,455, filed on Aug. 12, 2021, which relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/203,820, filed on Mar. 17, 2021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,333,815, issued on May 17, 2022), which relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/079,560, filed on Oct. 26, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,327,253, issued on May 10, 2022). Each of the mentioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to cable management generally and, more particularly, to a method and/or apparatus for implementing a traceable fiber using ferrule and cap at fan-out kit.

BACKGROUND

Data centers contain complex infrastructure and interconnections. There can be enormously long optical cables connecting server blades and switches. Furthermore, there can be an incredible number of long cables routed throughout the data center. Cable management in a data center can be complicated, even when cables are neatly arranged.

Failure ports indicated in a system control station of a data center can indicate that an interconnection has failed. A field technician has to go on-site to locate one of the failure ports and then search for the other end along the engaged cable. The task of tracing a cable from a failure port to the other end might seem easy but is actually time consuming. Because of the number of cables connected to a cabinet of server blades or across cabinets in a data center, tracing cables can be troublesome and tedious. The cables may cross, tangle, and twist between each other making the tracing effort slow. In many scenarios, data cables need to be unplugged to perform tracing. Unplugging data cables may interrupt data communication in the data center.

It would be desirable to implement a traceable fiber using ferrule and cap at fan-out kit.

SUMMARY

The invention concerns an apparatus including a first ferrule, a second ferrule and a tracing fiber. The first ferrule may comprise a cap. The second ferrule may comprise the cap. The tracing fiber may be configured to propagate light from the first ferrule to the second ferrule. The first ferrule may enable the light to be directed into the tracing fiber when the cap is removed. The cap of the second ferrule may be configured to scatter the light to provide an omnidirectional emission of the light from the second ferrule. The tracing fiber may be bundled with one or more data carrying lines in a cable. Each of the data carrying lines may be configured to enable a communication of data. The tracing fiber may be configured to propagate the light without interrupting the communication of data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims and drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a context of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating wires/fibers of an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a view of a ferrule with a cap connected to a fan-out kit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an internal view of a fan-out kit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating light input to a tracing fiber using a ferrule and light refracted by a cap at an output of a tracing fiber.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating light transmission through a ferrule when a data transmission failure is present.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a tracing fiber inserted into a through hole.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a fault locator device attached to a ferrule and presenting a light input to the tracing fiber.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fault locator presenting a light input to a ferrule.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fan-out kit with four connectors.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a tracing fiber at an end surface of a ferrule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention include providing a traceable fiber using ferrule and cap at fan-out kit that may (i) facilitate tracing a fiber, (ii) provide a protrusion from a fan-out kit, (iii) provide a traceable fiber separated from data fibers, (iv) be implemented in a data center, (v) refract light using a removable cap to emit light omnidirectionally, (vi) fit into a fault locator, (vii) implement strain relief features, (viii) enable tracing of a cable to be performed without interrupting data communication of the cable (ix) enable a tracing fiber to be glued into a ferrule and/or (x) be implemented in passive or active cables.

Embodiments of the present invention may be configured to enable and/or facilitate tracing a cable. A fan-out kit assembly may be implemented for a cable. The fan-out kit assembly may comprise a fiber-connected ferrule. A ferrule with a removable cap may be added to the fan-out kit along with the data connectors. In an example, the fan-out kit may implement a 1-to-2 fan-out LC cable assembly. The ferrule may comprise a smooth ceramic material in a cylindrical shape. The cap may be removably attached to the ferrule to enable light refraction to spread light emitted out of the ferrule omnidirectionally.

One ferrule and cap may be implemented at each end of the cable. In an example, one end of a cable may have one fan-out kit and another end of the cable may have another fan-out kit. Each fan-out kit may implement the ferrule with the cap. The cap may be removed from one ferrule so that light may be provided as an input to an optical fiber glued into a ferrule at one end of the cable and be emitted by the same optical fiber glued into a ferrule at the other end of the cable that has the cap attached to provide the refraction to spread the light output. Emitting the light may facilitate tracing the cable.

The ferrules may be connected by the optical fiber. For example, the optical fiber (e.g., a tracing fiber) may run through a cable jacket and connect at the fan-out kit assembly at both ends of a fiber optics cable assembly. The tracing fiber may be implemented as a plastic or glass fiber. The tracing fiber may be an additional fiber implemented inside the raw cable in addition to the data fibers. The fan-out kits at each end of the cable may be configured to separate the tracing fiber from the data fibers. The tracing fiber may be an additional fiber that runs parallel to the data communication fibers within the raw cable jacket.

The tracing fiber may be bundled with data fibers. The tracing fiber may be a separate fiber from the data fibers. The tracing fiber may be configured to propagate light without interrupting the communication of data by the data fibers. For example, the data fibers may not need to be unplugged to trace a cable using the ferrules and the tracing fiber.

In an example, data connectors of one end of a cable may be connected to an input/output port (e.g., a communication port) of a telecommunications device and data connectors at another end of the cable may be connected to an input/output port of a second telecommunications device. A technician may shine a light into a ferrule (e.g., with the respective cap removed to enable light to reach the tracing fiber) at one end of the cable. The technician may trace the other end of the cable in response to the light enabled to be emitted by another ferrule (e.g., with the respective cap attached to provide refraction for the light emitted by the tracing fiber) implemented at the end of the cable in response to the light input. The light emitted by the other ferrule may provide an indication of the location other end of the cable.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a diagram illustrating a context of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. An example location 50 is shown. The location 50 may be a representative example of a data center. The data center 50 may be a facility that houses telecommunications hardware. The data center 50 may be used by a small business, a large business, an internet service provider, a cloud storage and/or cloud processing service, a hosting company, a peering exchange, etc. The type of data center 50 may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The data center 50 shown may comprise a number of server cabinets 52 a-52 n. The server cabinets 52 a-52 n may comprise various communications and/or computing hardware. In the example shown, one aisle of server cabinets 52 a-52 n is shown. The data center 50 may comprise multiple aisles of server cabinets 52 a-52 n. The data center may comprise hundreds of square feet of various hardware for telecommunications.

The server cabinet 52 a is shown comprising telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d and a number of cables. The server cabinet 52 a may be a representative example of any of the server cabinets 52 a-52 n. For example, each of the server cabinets 52 a-52 n may comprise the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d and/or a number of cables. The cables may provide data interconnections between the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d. The cables may provide interconnections between the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d within a single one of the server cabinets 52 a-52 n and/or interconnections between the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d in multiple different server cabinets 52 a-52 n. The telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d may implement routers, switches, rack servers, server blades, etc. The type of telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d installed in the server cabinets 52 a-52 n may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The cables within the server cabinets 52 a-52 n are represented as a random arrangement of lines. In some examples, the cables in the data center 50 may be neatly organized (e.g., managed cables). In other examples, the cables in the data center 50 may be unmanaged (e.g., a rat's nest of cabling). While unmanaged cabling creates difficulties in tracing cables for a technician, the number and lengths of the cables in the data center 50 may create difficulties for technicians even in a well managed cable scenario.

An apparatus 100 is shown within the server cabinet 52 a. The apparatus 100 may implement a cable. The apparatus 100 may be one of the many cables within the server cabinet 52 a. In the example shown, one implementation of the apparatus 100 is illustrated. However, one or more of the cables within the data center 50 may be an implementation of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may comprise ferrules with removably attached caps and a tracing fiber to facilitate cable tracing.

One end 102 a of the apparatus 100 is shown. The end 102 a of the apparatus 100 may be connected to the telecommunications hardware module 54 d in the server cabinet 52 a. The apparatus 100 may connect the telecommunications hardware module 54 d and other telecommunications hardware. For example, the apparatus 100 may enable data transmission between the telecommunications hardware module 54 d and another one of the telecommunications hardware modules 54 a-54 d within one of the server cabinets 52 a-52 n.

A bundle of cables 56 a is shown. The cable bundle 56 a is shown partially within the sever cabinet 52 a. The cable bundle 56 a is shown routed from within the server cabinet 52 a and out the top of the server cabinet 52 a. The apparatus 100 may be one of the cables of the cable bundle 56 a.

The cable bundle 56 a is shown routed up into an opening 58 a. The opening 58 a may be an opening in a ceiling 60 of the data center 50. An opening 58 b is shown in the ceiling 60. A bundle of cables 56 b is shown dropping cables down from the opening 58 b. The bundle of cables 56 b may be similar to the cable bundle 56 a. The cable bundles 56 a-56 b may each comprise a different group of cables. While the cable bundles 56 a-56 b may be described as routing cables up or down, the direction of the cables in each cable bundle 56 a-56 b may be irrelevant and/or described for illustrative purposes (e.g., data communication may be bi-directional). In an example, the cable bundles 56 a-56 b may be a form of cable management for routing multiple cables from one location to other locations within the data center 50.

The cable bundle 56 b may comprise the apparatus 100. The cable bundle 56 b may be partially within the server cabinet 52 c. For example, the cable bundle 56 b may be routed between the server cabinet 52 c and the opening 58 b into the ceiling 60. In the example shown, the apparatus 100 may be routed along with the cable bundle 56 a out of the server cabinet 52 a. Within the ceiling 60, the various cables may be routed towards various directions (not shown). The apparatus 100 may be dropped down from the ceiling 60 as part of the cable bundle 56 b and into the server cabinet 52 c.

One end 102 b of the apparatus 100 is shown. The end 102 b of the apparatus 100 may be connected to the telecommunications hardware module 54 b in the server cabinet 52 c. In the example shown, the apparatus 100 may connect the telecommunications hardware 54 d in the server cabinet 52 a at the end 102 a to the telecommunications hardware 54 b in the server cabinet 52 c.

The apparatus 100 (and other cables in the data center 50) may be various lengths. In an example, if the apparatus 100 is relatively short (e.g., less than 10 m) a single technician may be capable of tracing the apparatus 100 within the data center 50. However, the apparatus 100 may be longer than 10 m (e.g., hundreds of meters long). The apparatus 100 may be within the cable bundles 56 a-56 b with multiple other cables. Furthermore, the cable bundles 56 a-56 b with the apparatus 100 may be routed through inaccessible locations (e.g., in the ceiling 60). For example, the apparatus 100 may be long enough that more than one technician may be needed to trace the apparatus 100. In another example, the apparatus 100 may be traced using a single technician, but the apparatus 100 may be routed through a location (e.g., the ceiling 60) that is out of view of the technician.

The apparatus 100 and/or other cables in the data center 50 may be configured to communicate data. The data communication may fail. In one example, the cables may be pinched and/or physically cut. In another example, hardware may fail and/or not operate up to specifications. In yet another example, the hardware modules 54 a-54 d may need to be replaced and the cables may need to be reconnected to replacement hardware. Tracing the apparatus 100 and/or other cables may be a common activity of technicians in the data center 50. Tracing may be further used during initial cable installation. Tracing may be further used to determine and/or confirm a configuration of the connections of the apparatus 100, while data is being communicated. The apparatus 100 may be configured to transmit light to facilitate the tracing of the apparatus 100 in the data center 50. The light transmitted within the apparatus 100 may enable the apparatus 100 to be distinguished from other of the cables in the data center 50 (e.g., distinguish the apparatus 100 from other cables in the cable bundle 56 a and/or the cable bundle 56 b).

Referring to FIG. 2 , a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus 100 is shown. The apparatus 100 may implement a cable. The apparatus 100 may comprise the end 102 a and the end 102 b as shown in association with FIG. 1 . For illustrative purposes, the example shown for the apparatus 100 may be an optical fiber. Embodiments of the apparatus 100 may implement an electrical cable (e.g., HDMI, USB, DisplayPort, etc.).

The apparatus 100 may comprise a cable jacket 110. The cable jacket 110 may be configured to provide protection for the contents of the apparatus 100 (e.g., wires, fibers, etc.). In one example, the cable jacket 110 may be configured to provide electromagnetic shielding. The cable jacket 110 may connect the end 102 a to the end 102 b of the apparatus 100.

A symbol 112 is shown. The symbol 112 is shown generally in the middle of the cable jacket 110. The symbol 112 may represent an indeterminate length of the cable jacket 110. While the symbol 112 may appear as a discontinuity in the cable jacket 110, the cable jacket 110 may be continuous. In an example where the symbol 112 represents a relatively short length of cable, the apparatus 100 may be a short-run cable (e.g., less than 10 meters). In another example where the symbol 112 represents a relatively long length of cable, the apparatus 100 may be a long-run cable (e.g., 300 meters). The length of the apparatus 100 may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The cable jacket 110 may comprise passive interconnections and/or active interconnections. The cable jacket 110 may comprise wires and/or fibers. In one example, the cable jacket 110 may contain copper wiring. In another example, the cable jacket 110 may contain plastic fibers. In yet another example, the cable jacket 110 may contain glass fibers. The type of material used to communicate using the apparatus 100 may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The end 102 a of the apparatus 100 may comprise a fan-out kit 120 a. The fan-out kit 120 a may be connected to the cable jacket 110. Input/output connectors 122 a-122 n are shown. Input/output cable jackets 124 a-124 n are shown extending from the fan-out kit 120 a. The I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n may be connected to (terminated at) the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n. In the example shown, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n may be an LC connector format. In another example, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n may be an FC connector format. In yet another example, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n may be an SC connector format. In yet another example, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n may be an ST connector format. In still another example, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n may be an MPO format. The format of the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n may communicate data to/from the fan-out kit 120 a. The fan-out kit 120 a may be configured to separate wires/fibers carried by the cable jacket 110 to distinct inputs/outputs as the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n. In the example shown, the fan-out kit 120 a may implement a 2-to-1 fan-out kit (e.g., two cables at one end and one cable on the other end of the fan-out kit 120 a). The fan-out kit 120 a may be configured to separate out any number of data connections. The number of I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and/or I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n connected to the fan-out kit 120 a may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The end 102 b of the apparatus 100 may have a similar implementation as the end 102 a. The end 102 b of the apparatus 100 may comprise a fan-out kit 120 b. The fan-out kit 120 b may be connected to the cable jacket 110. Input/output connectors 132 a-132 n are shown. Input/output cable jackets 134 a-134 n are shown extending from the fan-out kit 120 b. The I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n may be connected to (terminated at) the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n. In the example shown, the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n may be an LC connector format. Similar to the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n, the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n may implement various connector formats (e.g., FC SC, ST, MPO, etc.). The format of the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n may be the same or different.

The I/O connectors 132 a-132 n and the I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n may communicate data to/from the fan-out kit 120 b. The fan-out kit 120 b may be configured to separate wires/fibers carried by the cable jacket 110 to distinct inputs/outputs as the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n and the I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n. In the example shown, the fan-out kit 120 b may implement a 2-to-1 fan-out kit (e.g., two cables at one end and one cable on the other end of the fan-out kit 120 b). The fan-out kit 120 b may be configured to separate out any number of data connections. The number of I/O connectors 132 a-132 n and/or I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n connected to the fan-out kit 120 b may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The fan-out kits 120 a-120 b may be connected at each end 102 a-102 b of the cable jacket 110. In the example shown, the number of I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n implemented by the fan-out kit 120 a may match the number of I/O connectors 132 a-132 n and I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n implemented by the fan-out kit 120 b. In some embodiments, the number of I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n implemented by the fan-out kit 120 a may not necessarily match the number of I/O connectors 132 a-132 n and I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n implemented by the fan-out kit 120 b (e.g., an 8×LC connector at one end and a 1×MPO (ribbon cable) at another end). The I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n may connect to the telecommunication hardware 54 a-54 d shown in association with FIG. 1 . For the example shown in association with FIG. 1 , the connectors 122 a-122 n at the end 102 a of the cable 100 may connect to the telecommunications hardware 54 d in the server cabinet 52 a and the connectors 132 a-132 n at the end 102 b of the cable 100 may connect to the telecommunications hardware 54 b in the server cabinet 52 c.

The fan-out kit 120 a may comprise a ferrule 150 a with a removably attached cap 152 a. The fan-out kit 120 b may comprise a ferrule 150 b with a removably attached cap 152 b. The cap 152 a may be attached to fit over (e.g., partially cover) the ferrule 150 a. Similarly, the cap 152 b may be attached to fit over (e.g., partially cover) the ferrule 150 b. In the example shown, the cap 152 a is shown removed from the ferrule 150 a (e.g., separate pieces with an end of the ferrule 150 a fully exposed) and the cap 152 b is shown attached to the ferrule 150 b (e.g., two pieces connected together with an end of the ferrule 150 b covered by the cap 152 b).

The ferrules 150 a-150 b may be connected to a tracing fiber that runs through the cable jacket 110 between the fan-out kits 120 a-120 b. In an example, the fan-out kit 120 a may provide connections to any number of the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n and comprise the single combination of the ferrule 150 a and the cap 152 a. Similarly, the fan-out kit 120 b may provide connections to any number of the I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n and comprise the single combination of the ferrule 150 b and the cap 152 b. Each of the fan-out kits 120 a-120 b may comprise a single ferrule (e.g., the ferrules 150 a-150 b, respectively) regardless of the number of the number of data connections implemented by the fan-out kits 120 a-120 b.

The ferrules 150 a-150 b may be configured to receive and/or emit light. The combination of the ferrules 150 a-150 b and the respective caps 152 a-152 b may be configured to enable tracing of the apparatus 100 using a light input. One of the caps 152 a-152 b may be removed from the respective ferrules 150 a-150 b to enable light to be input into the exposed one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b, while the other one of the caps 152 a-152 b may be attached to the other of the respective ferrules 150 a-150 b to disperse the light as output (e.g., to make the light easier to see for the technician). In the example shown, the cap 152 a may be removed from the ferrule 150 a and light may be input at the cable end 102 a using the ferrule 150 a and the light may be output at the cable end 102 b using the ferrule 150 b with the cap 152 b attached to aid in light dispersion. In another example, the cap 152 b may be removed from the ferrule 150 b and light may be input at the cable end 102 b using the ferrule 150 b and the light may be output at the cable end 102 a using the ferrule 150 a with the cap 152 a attached to aid in light dispersion. The light input may propagate between the ferrules 150 a-150 b regardless of the length of the cable jacket 110. The emission of the light out of one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b may enable a person (e.g., a technician) to locate the opposite one of the ends 102 a-102 b of the apparatus 100 when shining the light into one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b.

Generally, the caps 152 a-152 b may be attached to the ferrules 150 a-150 b. For example, when the apparatus 100 is not being traced (e.g., the apparatus 100 is connected and transmitting data or the apparatus 100 is not connected and kept in storage or packaging), both of the caps 152 a-152 b may be attached to the respective one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. Keeping the caps 152 a-152 b attached to the ferrules 150 a-150 b may help prevent loss (or misplacement) of the caps 152 a-152 b and/or protect the ferrules 150 a-150 b. When the apparatus 100 is being traced, one of the caps 152 a-152 b may be removed from the respective one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. One of the caps 152 a-152 b may be removed to expose the respective one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b to enable light to be input to the exposed one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The other one of the caps 152 a-152 b at the other end of the cable may remain attached to the respective one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. When the other one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b (e.g., at the opposite end of the apparatus 100) receives the light output, the respective one of the caps 152 a-152 b attached may disperse the light to create omnidirectional light output (e.g., make the light easier to see).

The caps 152 a-152 b may be configured to fit over the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The caps 152 a-152 b may slide onto the ferrules 150 a-150 b. In an example, the caps 152 a-152 b may provide a generally loose fit over the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The caps 152 a-152 b may be configured to implement a slip fit (e.g., a friction fit) with the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The loose fit of the caps 152 a-152 b may enable a person to easily slide the caps 152 a-152 b off of or onto the ferrules 150 a-150 b without using any tools. The caps 152 a-152 b may be attached to or removed from the ferrules 150 a-150 b without twisting, snapping or locking together. In some embodiments, the caps 152 a-152 b may comprise a tether that enables the caps 152 a-152 b to slip off the ferrules 150 a-150 b to expose the ferrules 150 a-150 b but still enable the caps 152 a-152 b to remain attached to the ferrules 150 a-150 b (e.g., to prevent removing the caps 152 a-152 b entirely and then misplacing the caps 152 a-152 b). The method of attaching or removing the caps 152 a-152 b may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a diagram illustrating wires/fibers of an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. A view of the end 102 a of the apparatus 100 is shown. The end 102 a may comprise the fan-out kit 120 a, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n, the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n and/or the ferrule 150 a. In the example shown, the cap 152 a is not shown attached to the ferrule 150 a. For example, the end 102 a shown may be used as the input side for tracing the apparatus 100 (e.g., to find the opposite end 102 b) and the ferrule 150 a may have the cap 152 a removed in order to receive the light input. The cable jacket 110 is shown extending from the fan-out kit 120 a opposite from the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n and the ferrule 150 a.

In the example shown, a cutaway view of the cable jacket 110 is shown. The cutaway view may show transmission lines implemented within the cable jacket 110. The cable jacket 110 may comprise a transmission line 200 and/or transmission lines 202 a-202 n (e.g., data carrying lines). The transmission line 200 may comprise a tracing line (e.g., a tracing fiber). The transmission lines 202 a-202 n may comprise data lines (e.g., data fibers or wires). When the apparatus 100 is connected, the tracing fiber 202 and the data lines 202 a-202 n may be contained within the cable jacket. In the example shown, two data lines 202 a-202 n may be implemented. The number of data lines 202 a-202 n implemented may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n may run through the cable jacket 110 between the fan-out kits 120 a-120 b. The tracing fiber 200 may be connected to the ferrule 150 a. The data lines 202 a-202 n may be connected to a respective one of the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n and may be terminated at a respective one of the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n.

In some embodiments, the data lines 202 a-202 n may comprise copper wires. For example, the cable jacket 110 may implement an Ethernet cable. The data lines 202 a-202 n may comprise twisted pairs of copper wires to transmit data. The tracing fiber 200 may implement an optical fiber. In some embodiments, the tracing fiber and the data lines 202 a-202 n may comprise optical fibers. In another example, the cable jacket 110 may implement an HDMI cable, a USB cable, a DisplayPort cable, etc. The type of communication medium used for the data lines 202 a-202 n and/or the communications protocol used by the data lines 202 a-202 n may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The fan-out kit 120 a may be configured to separate the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n and/or bundle the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n. At the end of the fan-out kit 120 a connected to the cable jacket 110, the fan-out kit 120 a may bundle the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n to fit within the cable jacket 110. Within the fan-out kit 120 a, the bundle of transmission lines received from the cable jacket 110 may be separated to the appropriate output port (e.g., the tracing fiber 200 to the ferrule 150 a, the data line 202 a to the I/O cable jacket 124 a, the data line 202 n to the I/O cable jacket 124 n, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 4 , a diagram illustrating a view of a ferrule with a cap connected to a fan-out kit is shown. A view of the end 102 b of the apparatus 100 is shown. The end 102 b may comprise the fan-out kit 120 b, the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n, the I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n, the ferrule 150 b and/or the cap 152 b. In the example shown, the cap 152 b is shown attached to the ferrule 150 b. For example, the end 102 b shown may be used as the output side for tracing the apparatus 100 (e.g., light may be input to the end 102 a in order to trace the apparatus 100 and find the opposite end 102 b) and the ferrule 150 b may have the cap 152 b attached in order to disperse the light output. The cable jacket 110 is shown extending from the fan-out kit 120 b opposite from the I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n and the combination of the ferrule 150 b and the cap 152 b.

In the example shown, a cutaway view of the cable jacket 110 is shown. The cutaway view may show transmission lines implemented within the cable jacket 110. Similar to the cutaway view shown in association with FIG. 3 , the cable jacket 110 may comprise the tracing fiber 200 and/or the data lines 202 a-202 n. For example, the end 102 a shown in association with FIG. 3 may comprise one end of the tracing fiber 200 and/or the data lines 202 a-202 n, and the end 102 b shown in association with FIG. 4 may comprise the other end of the same tracing fiber 200 and/or the data lines 202 a-202 n.

The tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n may run through the cable jacket 110 between the fan-out kits 120 a-120 b. The tracing fiber 200 may be connected to the ferrule 150 b. The data lines 202 a-202 n may be connected to a respective one of the I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n and may be terminated at a respective one of the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n.

The fan-out kit 120 b may be configured to separate the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n and/or bundle the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n. At the end of the fan-out kit 120 b connected to the cable jacket 110, the fan-out kit 120 b may bundle the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n to fit within the cable jacket 110. Within the fan-out kit 120 b, the bundle of transmission lines received from the cable jacket 110 may be separated to the appropriate output port (e.g., the tracing fiber 200 to the ferrule 150 b, the data line 202 a to the I/O cable jacket 134 a, the data line 202 n to the I/O cable jacket 134 n, etc.).

The data lines 202 a-202 n may be configured to carry communications data to/from the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n. The tracing fiber 200 may be configured to propagate a light input to/from the ferrule 150 a and the ferrule 150 b. In one example, data received by the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n may be transmitted to the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n by the data lines 202 a-202 n within the cable jacket 110. In a similar example, data received by the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n may be transmitted to the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n by the data lines 202 a-202 n within the cable jacket 110. In another example, light input received by the ferrule 150 a (e.g., with the cap 152 a removed) may be propagated through the tracing fiber 200 within the cable jacket 110 and may be enabled to be emitted by the combination of the ferrule 150 b and the cap 152 b. In a similar example, light input received by the ferrule 150 b (with the cap 152 b removed) may be propagated through the tracing fiber 200 within the cable jacket 110 and may be enabled to be emitted by the combination of the ferrule 150 a and the cap 152 a.

The tracing fiber 200 may be configured to transfer light between the ferrules 150 a-150 b regardless of whether the data lines 202 a-202 n are transmitting data. For example, the combination of the ferrules 150 a-150 b, the caps 152 a-152 b and the tracing fiber 200 may be operational even when the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and/or the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n are unplugged. The combination of the ferrules 150 a-150 b, the caps 152 a-152 b and the tracing fiber 200 may enable the tracing of a cable to be performed without unplugging the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and/or the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n (e.g., from the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d shown in association with FIG. 1 ).

Referring to FIG. 5 , a diagram illustrating an internal view of a fan-out kit is shown. The fan-out kit 120 a is shown as a representative example. An internal view of the fan-out kit 120 b (not shown) may be similar to the fan-out kit 120 a shown. The fan-out kit 120 a is shown connected to the cable jacket 110. The tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n are shown within the cable jacket 110. The I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n are shown connected to the fan-out kit 120 a. The ferrule 150 a is shown connected to the fan-out kit 150. The cap 152 a is shown removed from the corresponding ferrule 150 a. The cap 152 a may be removably attached to the ferrule 150 a. In the example shown, the fan-out kit 120 a may be a 2-to-1 fan-out kit (e.g., the cable jacket 110 may be separated out to two of the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n). However, a fan-out kit connected to more (or less) than two of the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n may be implemented.

The tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n are shown separated within the fan-out kit 120 a. For example, the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n may extend beyond the cable jacket 110 at the fan-out kit 120 a. The fan-out kit 120 a may be configured to route the tracing fiber 200 into the ferrule 150 a. The fan-out kit 120 a may be configured to route the data lines 202 a-202 n (e.g., provide a path) to the respective I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n.

The fan-out kit 120 a may comprise strain relief features 250 a-250 c. The strain relief features 250 a-250 c are shown near the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n. The strain relief features 250 a-250 c may be molded to a housing of the fan-out kit 120 a. In an example, the housing of the fan-out kit 120 a may be a plastic material. The strain relief features 250 a-250 c may comprise the same material (e.g., plastic) as the housing of the fan-out kit 120 a. In some embodiments, a fabric may be wrapped around the strain relief features 250 a-250 c. In one example, the strain relief features 250 a-250 c may be wrapped in a kevlar fabric. The kevlar fabric wrapped around the strain relief features 250 a-250 c may be configured to prevent excessive stress and/or limit an amount of stress applied onto fibers (e.g., the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 n) during cable stretch (or bending).

The fan-out kit 120 a may comprise a guide 260. The guide 260 may provide a chamfer that may lead the tracing fiber 200 into the ferrule 150 a. A front end of the ferrule 150 a may be exposed to the exterior of the fan-out kit 120 a. The rest of the ferrule 150 a may be mounted within the housing of the fan-out kit 120 a. The tracing fiber 200 may be glued into the ferrule 150 a to enable light to be directed to the tracing fiber 200. In an example, the tracing fiber 200 may be glued to the ferrule 150 a (and similarly the ferrule 150 b on the other end 102 b of the apparatus 100). The guide 260 may enable the tracing fiber 200 to enter a through hole for the tracing fiber 200 to be glued to the ferrule 150 a. Inserting the tracing fiber 200 into the ferrule 150 a may provide mechanical protection for the tracing fiber 200 and/or align the tracing fiber 200 to an external light source. For example, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented to help a field technician to ensure that the light (e.g., from a fault locator device) is aimed at (e.g., aligned with) the tracing fiber 200.

The ferrule 150 a is shown extending from the fan-out kit 120 a. The ferrule 150 a may comprise a protrusion. For example, the protrusion of the ferrule 150 a may be a nipple and/or a nub. The protrusion of the ferrule 150 a from the fan-out kit 120 a may enable the ferrule 150 a to fit into a device (e.g., a fault locator). The protrusion of the ferrule 150 a may facilitate shining an external light into the tracing fiber 200 at the ferrule 150 a (e.g., with the cap 152 a removed) without first disconnecting the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n. The ferrule 150 b of the fan-out kit 120 b may have a similar protrusion implementation.

If light is shone onto the ferrule 150 a at one end (e.g., the end 102 a) of the cable assembly 100, the light may transmit directly into the tracing fiber 200. The light may propagate through the tracing fiber 200. The light may be emitted by the tracing fiber 200 and out of the ferrule 150 b mounted at the other end (e.g., the end 102 b) of the cable assembly 100. The cap 152 b may be attached to the ferrule 150 b to enable the light to be dispersed on the output side (e.g., to help visually locate the end 102 b). The tracing feature enabled by the combination of the ferrules 150 a-150 b, the caps 152 a-152 b and the tracing fiber 200 may reduce an amount of time taken by technicians when locating both ends of the cable assembly 100.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a diagram illustrating light input to a tracing fiber using a ferrule and light refracted by a cap at an output of a tracing fiber is shown. A view of a portion of the apparatus 100 is shown. The ferrule 150 a and the ferrule 150 b are shown at each end of the apparatus 100. The cap 152 a is shown removed from the ferrule 150 a. The cap 152 b is shown attached to the ferrule 150 b. The tracing fiber 200 is shown connected between the ferrules 150 a-150 b. For clarity, the fan-out kits 120 a, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n, the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n, the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n and the I/O cable jackets 134 a-134 n have been omitted.

An inner surface 300 and an outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 a is shown. Similarly, the inner surface 300 and the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b is shown. The tracing fiber 200 may extend from the inner surface 300 of each of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The inner surface 300 may be perpendicular to the tracing fiber 200. For example, when the cable 100 is fully extended, the inner surface 300 of the ferrule 150 a may face the inner surface 300 of the ferrule 150 b. The outer surface 302 may comprise an end surface for the tracing fiber 200. In an example, the tracing fiber 200 may be inserted into the ferrules 150 a-150 b and may be cut flush with the outer surface 302. The outer surface 302 may be perpendicular to the tracing fiber 200. For example, when the cable 100 is fully extended, the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 a may face away from the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b.

A center line 304 is shown through a center of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The line 304 may be a reference line representing a center line (e.g., axis) of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. A through hole 306 is shown within the ferrule 150 a. Similarly, a through hole 306 is shown within the ferrule 150 b. The through hole 306 may extend through the ferrules 150 a-150 b along the center line 304. The through hole 306 may extend through each of the ferrules 150 a-150 b from the inner surface 300 to the outer surface 302. The through hole 306 may provide an opening in each of the ferrules 150 a-150 b to enable the tracing fiber 200 to be inserted into and secured (e.g., glued) to the ferrules 150 a-150 b. An implementation of the guide 260 may be attached to (e.g., molded to) each implementation of the inner surface 300. The guide 260 may be used to aid in inserting the tracing fiber 200 into the through hole 306. In an example, the guide 260 may align the tracing fiber to the through hole 306 on the inner surface 300 and provide strain relief for the tracing fiber 200 when inserted into the through hole 306 of each of the ferrules 150 a-150 b.

The ferrules 150 a-150 b are shown implemented having a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may have a rectangular or square shape. In some embodiments, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented having standard industrial sizes (e.g., 01.25 mm, 01.4 mm, 01.8 mm, 02.0 mm, and 02.5 mm, etc.). Generally, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented having any size (e.g., the size of the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be selected from any number of available sizes). In some embodiments, both the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented having the same size and same shape (e.g., both the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be cylindrical with a 1.25 mm diameter). In some embodiments, each of the ferrules 150 a-150 b may have a different size and/or a different shape (e.g., the ferrule 150 a may be cylindrical with a 1.25 mm diameter and the ferrule 150 b may be a rectangular shape with a size of 3 mm×2 mm, the ferrule 150 a may be cylindrical with a 1.25 mm diameter and the ferrule 150 b may be cylindrical with a 2.5 mm diameter, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may both be rectangular with a 3 mm×2 mm size). Similarly, the caps 152 a-152 b may have a size and shape that matches the corresponding one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b to enable the caps 152 a-152 b to be removably attached to the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The size and/or shape of either of the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

In one example, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented using a ceramic material. In another example, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented using a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel, beryllium copper, etc.). In yet another example, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented using a glass material. In some embodiments, both of the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented using the same material (e.g., both ceramic). In another example, each of the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be implemented using a different material (e.g., the ferrule 150 a may be ceramic and the ferrule 150 b may be glass). The type of material used to implement the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

The caps 152 a-152 b may be configured to fit over the outer surface 302 of the respective ferrules 150 a-150 b. For example, when the caps 152 a-152 b are attached to the ferrules 150 a-150 b, the outer surface 302 may be covered. The caps 152 a-152 b may be sized and shaped similar to the ferrules 150 a-150 b. For example, the caps 152 a-152 b may be slightly larger than the ferrules 150 a-150 b in order to provide the slip fit over the ferrules 150 a-150 b. In one example, the caps 152 a-152 b may be implemented comprising a polycarbonate material (PC). In another example, the caps 152 a-152 b may be implemented comprising a silicone material. In yet another example, the caps 152 a-152 b may be implemented comprising a poly(methyl methacrylate) material (PMMA). In still another example, the caps 152 a-152 b may be implemented comprising materials such as polystyrene (PS), cyclo olefin polymer (COP), etc. Generally, the caps 152 a-152 b may be implemented using various optical grade plastic materials. The size, shape and/or material of the caps 152 a-152 b may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

A portion of the tracing fiber 200 is shown within the ferrule 150 a. Similarly, a portion of the tracing fiber 200 is shown within the ferrule 150 b. The portion of each end of the tracing fiber 200 may be sitting within and glued along the axis 304 of the ferrules 150 a-150 b in the through hole 306. The portion of each end of the tracing fiber 200 may be configured to be inserted into the inner surface 300 and extend along the through hole 306 towards the outer surface 302 (e.g., the protruding end extending out of the fan out kits 120 a-120 b). For example, the portion of the tracing fiber may be flush or almost flush with the outer surface 302 of the ferrules 150 a-150 b.

Lines L1, L2 and L3 are shown directed into the tracing fiber 200. The lines L1-L3 may represent a light input. The cap 152 a may be removed to enable the light to be directed into the tracing fiber 200 (e.g., located within the through hole 306). The light L1-L3 may be shone onto the ferrule 150 a. In an example with the tracing fiber 200 flush with the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 a, the incoming light L1-L3 may shine directly into the tracing fiber 200. In an example with the tracing fiber not perfectly flush with the outer surface 302 (e.g., the tracing fiber 200 does not extend completely through the through hole 306 to reach the outer surface 302), the incoming light L1-L3 may shine into the through hole 306 of the ferrule 150 a and may be collected by the portion of the tracing fiber 200 within the through hole 306 of the ferrule 150 a.

The light input L1-L3 that enters into the tracing fiber 200 may propagate through the tracing fiber 200. A line LP is shown alongside the tracing fiber 200. The line LP may represent the direction of propagation of the light input L1-L3. The tracing fiber 200 may be configured to propagate the light input L1-L3 from the end 102 a to the end 102 b of the apparatus 100. The tracing fiber 200 may present the light input L1-L3 to the ferrule 150 b (e.g., into the through hole 306). A line LO is shown in the ferrule 150 b. The line LO may represent the output light received from the tracing fiber 200 in response to the light input L1-L3. The ferrule 150 b may receive the light input L1-L3 resulting from the propagation LP through the tracing fiber 200 as the output light LO. The cap 152 b may be attached to the ferrule 150 b (e.g., over the outer surface 302, which may be the output end of the apparatus 100).

The caps 152 a-152 b may comprise a reflective portion 310. The reflective portion 310 may comprise multiple reflective surfaces (e.g., an internal reflection surface). The multiple reflective surfaces of the reflective portion 310 may be implemented at a head of the caps 152 a-152 b. The reflective portion 310 may be configured to reflect some of the output light LO received after the light propagates through the tracing fiber 200. The reflection caused by the reflective portion 310 may be configured to scatter the light as output. By scattering the light using the reflective portion 310, the output light may provide omnidirectional illumination. Omnidirectional illumination may help a technician spot the ends 102 a-102 b of the apparatus 100.

Lines 320 a-320 b are shown extending from the ferrule 150 b. The lines 320 a-320 b may represent the light emitted by the ferrule 150 b. The emitted light 320 a-320 b may be output from the ferrule 150 b in response to receiving the light input L1-L3 propagated through the tracing fiber 200 in the direction LP as the output light LO. In the example shown, the cap 152 b may be attached to the ferrule 150 b (e.g., over the outer surface 302) to enable the reflective portion 310 of the cap 152 b to reflect the output light LO to provide the scattered emitted light 320 a-320 b as output (e.g., enable omnidirectional output of the output light 320 a-320 b at the ferrule 150 b).

The input light L1-L3 may be received by the tracing fiber 200 at the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 a. The input light L1-L3 may propagate through the tracing fiber 200 in the direction LP towards the ferrule 150 b. The output light LO propagating through the tracing fiber 200 may reach the portion of the tracing fiber 200 within the through hole 306 of the ferrule 150 b and continue through the tracing fiber 200 until the tracing fiber 200 ends at the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b. The reflective portion 310 of the cap 152 b attached to the end of the ferrule 150 b may reflect the output light LO in the omnidirectional pattern of the emitted light 320 a-320 b as output from the apparatus 100. In the example shown, the light input L1-L3 may be provided into the tracing fiber 200 at the ferrule 150 a and output as the emitted light 320 a-320 b via the scattering of the light output LO by the cap 152 b attached to the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b. Similarly, the light input L1-L3 may be provided to the tracing fiber 200 at the ferrule 150 b (e.g., with the cap 152 b removed) and propagate through the tracing fiber 200 towards the ferrule 150 a and the cap 152 a attached to outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 a may scatter the light output LO.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a diagram illustrating light transmission through a ferrule when a data transmission failure is present is shown. A view of a portion of the apparatus 100 is shown. The view of a portion of the apparatus 100 may be similar to the example shown in association with FIG. 6 . The ferrule 150 a with the cap 152 a removed and the ferrule 150 b with the cap 152 b attached are shown at each end of the apparatus 100. The reference center line 304 is shown. The tracing fiber 200 is shown inserted into the through hole 306 between the inner surface 300 and the outer surface 302 and connected between the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The light input L1-L3 is shown being directed into the tracing fiber 200 at the ferrule 150 a. The emitted light 320 a-320 b is shown output from the ferrule 150 b after being reflected by the reflective portion 310 of the cap 152 b.

An example of a data line 202 a-202 a′ (e.g., comprising a data line portion 202 a and a data line portion 202 a′) is shown along with the tracing fiber 200. The data line 202 a-202 a′ may be a representative example of any of the data lines 202 a-202 n within the cable jacket 110. The data line 202 a-202 a′ is shown running parallel to the tracing fiber 200. The data line 202 a-202 a′ may be separate from the tracing fiber 200.

A discontinuity 350 is shown in the data line 202 a-202 a′. In one example, the discontinuity 350 may be a physical break in the data line 202 a-202 a′ (e.g., the fiber may have been cut). In another example, the discontinuity 350 may represent a loss of communication of the data transmitted by the data line 202 a-202 a′ and/or a decrease in performance of the data line 202 a-202 a′ (e.g., the data line 202 a-202 a′ may be dropping packets and/or communicating at a lower throughput than specified). In yet another example, the break 350 may represent an error in the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d (e.g., a hardware failure that prevents the communication of the data, one of the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and/or the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n are disconnected, etc.). The type of fault that prevents data transmission may be varied according to a particular operating scenario.

A signal (e.g., LIGHT) is shown communicated by the tracing fiber 200. The signal LIGHT may represent the propagation of the light L1-L3 through the tracing fiber 200. The signal LIGHT may be transmitted from the ferrule 150 a to the ferrule 150 b by the tracing fiber 200. The signal LIGHT may be emitted from the ferrule 150 b as the scattered light 320 a-320 b after the reflection caused by the reflective portion 310.

A signal (e.g., DATA) is shown communicated by the data line 202 a. The signal DATA may represent data communications transmitted by the data lines 202 a-202 n. In the example shown, the signal DATA may be transmitted through the data line 202 a up until reaching the break 350. The break 350 may prevent the signal DATA from continuing through the data line portion 202 a′. For example, the signal DATA intended to be sent from the end 102 a of the apparatus 100 may not reach the end 102 b.

The signal DATA may communicate computer readable data. The signal LIGHT may not communicate computer readable data. For example, the signal LIGHT may be viewed by a person. The combination of the ferrules 150 a-150 b, the respective caps 152 a-152 b, and the tracing fiber 200 communicating the signal LIGHT may operate independent from the data lines 202 a-202 n, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n communicating the signal DATA.

Even if one of the data lines 202 a-202 n has the break 350, the signal LIGHT may still propagate through the tracing fiber 200. For example, even if one or more of the data lines 202 a-202 n carrying data physically breaks, as long as the tracing fiber 200 is not cut, the light signal LIGHT may still propagate from one end 102 a to the other end 102 b of the apparatus 100. The tracing fiber 200 may be a physically separate fiber from any of the data lines 202 a-202 n.

While the example shown provides an example scenario with the break 350, tracing the apparatus 100 using the light input L1-L3 may be performed even while the data lines 202 a-202 n are communicating the data. For example, the light input may be presented to, and propagated by the tracing fiber 200 without interrupting the communication of the signal DATA. For example, the light input L1-L3 may be presented to the tracing fiber 200 within the ferrule 150 a while the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n are plugged into one of the telecommunication hardware modules 54 a-54 d and while the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n are connected to one of the telecommunication hardware modules 54 a-54 d. For example, the combination of the ferrules 150 a-150 b and the caps 152 a-152 b may be accessible and operational without unplugging either end 102 a-102 b of the apparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a diagram illustrating a tracing fiber inserted into a through hole is shown. A view 380 of the end 102 a is shown. The view 380 may comprise the ferrule 150 a connected to the tracing fiber 200. For illustrative purposes, the cap 152 a is not shown. The view 380 may illustrate how the tracing fiber 200 may be attached to the ferrule 150 a. While the view 380 provides an example of the ferrule 150 a, the end 102 b with the ferrule 150 b may have a similar implementation.

The ferrule 150 a is shown having a smooth, cylindrical shape. The ferrule 150 a may comprise the outer surface 302 at one end (e.g., the end protruding from the fan-out kit 120 a) and the inner surface 300 at another end (e.g., a back end). The light input may enter the tracing fiber 200 located within the through hole 306 (not shown) at an opening on the outer surface 302 (e.g., the tracing fiber 200 may be inserted all the way along the through hole 306 until flush with the outer surface 302). The inner surface 300 may be a location where a portion of the tracing fiber 200 may be inserted into the through hole 306 of the ferrule 150 a.

A guide 260 for a through hole is shown at the inner surface 300. The guide 260 may comprise an opening 382. The tracing fiber 200 may be inserted into the opening 382. A through hole opening 384 is shown. The through hole opening 384 may be an opening at the inner surface 300 that is aligned with the axis 304 of the ferrule 150 a. The through hole opening 384 may be an opening at the inner surface 300 for the through hole 306.

The back end of the ferrule 150 a may implement the through hole opening 384. The through hole opening 384 may comprise an opening configured to enable the tracing fiber 200 to fit within the through hole 306. In one example, the tracing fiber 200 may be inserted into the through hole opening 384 and attached with glue with the through hole 306. The through hole 306 may extend through the ferrule 150 a to the outer surface 302. The through hole 306 may enable a portion of the tracing fiber 200 to be inserted within the ferrule 150 a to enable the tracing fiber 200 to reach near the outer surface 302. Extending the tracing fiber 200 near (or flush with) the outer surface 302 may enable the tracing fiber 200 to receive the light input L1-L3 and/or output the output light LO.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a diagram illustrating fault locator device attached to a ferrule and presenting a light input to the tracing fiber is shown. A side view 400 of the end 102 b of the apparatus 100 is shown. The side view 400 of the end 102 b may comprise the ferrule 150 b receiving a light input with the cap 152 a removed (and implies that the ferrule 150 a with the cap 152 a attached may emit the light at the other end of the apparatus 100). While the ferrule 150 b is shown as a representative example, the description of the ferrule 150 b may be similarly applicable to the ferrule 150 a when receiving the light input.

The side view 400 may comprise the ferrule 150 b. The ferrule 150 b may be implemented with a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape (or another shape). The through hole 306 is shown between the inner surface 300 and the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b. The tracing fiber 200 is shown inserted into the guide 260, through the through hole opening 384 at the inner surface 300 and into the through hole 306. The tracing fiber 200 may be glued into the through hole 306. In an example, the guide 260 may be molded to the inner surface 300 to provide an indication of where the through hole opening 384 is located.

A device 402 is shown attached to the ferrule 150 b. The device 402 may be attached over the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b. The device 402 may implement a fault locator. The fault locator 402 may comprise a light source 404 and/or a sleeve 406 a-406 b. The light source 404 may implement a light emitting diode (LED). The light source 404 may be configured to generate a light input (e.g., the signal L) for the apparatus 100. In the example shown, the light source 404 may generate the signal L. The signal L may be aimed at the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b to enable the signal L to be input directly into the tracing fiber 200 within the through hole 306. The light signal L may be received by the tracing fiber 200 and transmitted along the tracing fiber 200. The tracing fiber 200 may propagate the light signal L to the other end (e.g., 102 a) of the apparatus 100.

The sleeve 406 a-406 b may be configured to fit over the ferrule 150 b (e.g., over the outer surface 302). The view 400 may provide a cross-sectional view of the fault locator 402. In the example shown, a portion 406 a of the sleeve 406 a-406 b is shown above the ferrule 150 b and a portion 406 b of the sleeve 406 a-406 b is shown below the ferrule 150 b. However, the sleeve 406 a-406 b may surround the ferrule 150 b (e.g., above, below and around the sides) to enable the ferrule 150 b to fit into the fault locator 402. The cap 152 b may be removed from the ferrule 150 b to enable the sleeve 406 a-406 b of the fault locator 402 to fit onto the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b. For example, a technician may use the fault locator 402 to shine the light from the light source 404 into the tracing fiber that is secured within the through hole 306 of the ferrule 150 b so that the light will be emitted at the other end 102 a of the apparatus 100 by the tracing fiber secured within the through hole 306 of the ferrule 150 a (e.g., with the cap 152 a attached to provide omnidirectional light output).

The ferrules 150 a-150 b may be configured to fit into the fault locator 402. The shape of the protrusion of the ferrules 150 a-150 b from the fan-out kits 120 a-120 b may enable the ferrules 150 a-150 b to fit within the sleeve 406 a-406 b of the fault locator 402. Generally, the fault locator 402 may be an off-the-shelf device. The light L generated by the light source 404 may be shone onto the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 b to enable the tracing fiber 200 to receive the light. The fault locator 402 may fit onto either one of the ferrules 150 a-150 b (e.g., when the respective caps 152 a-152 b are removed) without needing to disconnect the apparatus 100 (e.g., the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and/or the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n may remain connected to the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d). The fault locator 402 may be configured to fit loosely over the ferrules 150 a-150 b. Generally, the fault locator 402 may not be securely attached to the ferrules 150 a-150 b. In an example, two technicians may be in the field (e.g., the data center 50). One technician may remove the cap 152 a and slide the fault locator 402 over the ferrule 150 a and hold the fault locator 402 in place. The other technician may trace down the other end 102 b of the cable 100 by searching for the light being emitted from the ferrule 150 b. In some embodiments, only one technician may be in the field. To enable the fault locator 402 to remain secured to the ferrule 150 a while the technician walks away to search for the light emitted from the ferrule 150 b, a short adapter jumper cable may be implemented. The short adapter jumper cable may be inserted into the fault locator 402 and the other end of the short adapter jumper cable may be attached to the ferrule 150 a so that the light emitted by the fault locator 402 is provided to the tracing cable 200 even while the technician walks away.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a diagram illustrating a fault locator presenting a light input to a ferrule is shown. A view 420 is shown. The view 420 may illustrate a view of the end 102 a of the apparatus 100. The end 102 a is shown as a representative example and the description of the end 102 a may be similarly applicable to the end 102 b of the apparatus 100.

The cable jacket 110, the fan-out kit 120 a and the fault locator 402 are shown in the view 420. The tracing fiber 200, and the data lines 202 a-202 n are shown within the cable jacket 110. The I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n and the ferrule 150 a are shown connected to the fan-out kit 120 a. The I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n may be terminated at the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n. The fan-out kit 120 a shown may be a 2-to-1 fan-out kit. The cap 152 a is shown removed from the ferrule 150 a to enable the ferrule 150 a to be the input side for the light L.

The light source 404 of the fault locator 402 may be configured to emit the light L. The protrusion of the ferrule 150 a may be configured to fit within the fault locator 402. For example, the ferrules 150 a-150 b may be designed to be small enough to fit within the sleeve 406 a-406 b of the fault locator 402. The ferrules 150 a-150 b may protrude a distance long enough to reach the light source 404 within the sleeve 406 a-406 b of the fault locator 402. The fault locator 402 may be a common tool carried by technicians (e.g., part of an IT technician toolbox).

In the example view 420, the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n are not shown connected (e.g., not inserted) into one of the hardware modules 54 a-54 d. The ferrules 150 a-150 b, the respective caps 152 a-152 b and the tracing fiber 200 may be used to trace the apparatus 100 regardless of whether the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n are connected and/or regardless of whether the data lines 202 a-202 n are transmitting data. In one example, a technician may shine the light L into tracing fiber 200 within the ferrule 150 a when the cap 152 a is removed to verify cable installation (e.g., ensure that the data cables are plugged into the correct ports of the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d). The ferrules 150 a-150 b, the caps 152 a-152 b and the tracing fiber 200 may be used during installation (e.g., while connecting the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n) or after installation (e.g., after the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n and the I/O connectors 132 a-132 n have already been connected). In the example shown, the fault locator 402 may be shorter than the length of the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n. With the fault locator 402 shorter than the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n, the fault locator 402 may be easily used while the I/O connectors 122 a-122 n are plugged into the telecommunications hardware 54 a-54 d.

In the example shown from the perspective of the view 420, the ferrule 150 a may be implemented on a left side of the end of the fan-out kit 120 a (e.g., to the left of the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n). In some embodiments, the ferrule 150 a may be implemented on a right side of the end of the fan-out kit 120 a (e.g., to the right of the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n). In some embodiments, the ferrule 150 a may be implemented between the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 n. In some embodiments, the ferrule 150 a may be implemented on another surface of the fan-out kit 120 a. The location of the ferrules 150 a-150 b on the fan-out kits 120 a-120 b may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a diagram illustrating a fan-out kit with four connectors is shown. A view 450 is shown. The view 450 may illustrate a view of the end 102 a of the apparatus 100. The end 102 a is shown as a representative example, and the description of the end 102 a may be similarly applicable to the end 102 b of the apparatus 100.

The cable jacket 110 and the fan-out kit 120 a are shown in the view 450. The tracing fiber 200, and the data lines 202 a-202 d are shown within the cable jacket 110. The I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 d and the ferrule 150 a are shown connected to the fan-out kit 120 a. The I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 d may be terminated at the I/O connectors 122 a-122 d.

In the example shown, the cable jacket 110 may comprise four of the data lines 202 a-202 d. The data lines 202 a-202 d may be bundled with the tracing fiber 200 within the cable jacket 110. The fan-out kit 120 a may be configured to separate and route the tracing fiber 200 and the data lines 202 a-202 d. Within the fan-out kit 120 a, the tracing fiber 200 may be routed into the ferrule 150 a. Within the fan-out kit 120 a, the data line 202 a may be routed to the I/O cable jacket 124 a, the data line 202 b may be routed to the I/O cable jacket 124 b, the data line 202 c may be routed to the I/O cable jacket 124 c and the data line 202 d may be routed to the I/O cable jacket 124 d. In the example shown, the fan-out kit 120 a may implement a 4-to-1 fan-out kit.

The ferrule 150 a is shown in the middle of the front surface of the fan-out kit 120 a. In the example shown, the ferrule 150 a may be in between the I/O cable jackets 124 a-124 b and the I/O cable jackets 124 c-124 d. In some embodiments, the ferrule 150 a may be implemented in between the I/O cable jacket 124 a and the I/O cable jacket 124 b. In some embodiments, the ferrule 150 a may be implemented between the I/O cable jacket 124 c and the I/O cable jacket 124 d.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a diagram illustrating a tracing fiber at an end surface of a ferrule is shown. A view 500 of the ferrule 150 a is shown. The ferrule 150 a is shown with the cap 152 a removed. The view 500 may illustrate how the tracing fiber 200 may be attached to the ferrule 150 a. While the view 500 provides an example of the ferrule 150 a, the end 102 b with the ferrule 150 b may have a similar implementation.

The outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 a is shown. The guide 260 is shown attached to the inner surface 300 of the ferrule 150 a. The tracing fiber 200 is shown extending from the inner surface 300 and the guide 260. The through hole 306 is shown within the ferrule 150 a and between the inner surface 300 and the outer surface 302.

The outer surface 302 may comprise a generally flat surface. The outer surface 302 may be a fiber end surface for the tracing fiber 200. The outer surface 302 is shown with an edge 502. In the example shown, the edge 502 may comprise an angled chamfer transition. In another example, the edge 502 may comprise a rounded transition. The edge 502 may be configured to provide a smooth transition to enable the cap 152 a to slide on or off the ferrule 150 a easily. The shape of the edge 502 may be varied according to the design criteria of a particular implementation.

An opening 504 is shown on the outer surface 302. The opening 504 may comprise a front through hole opening. The through hole 306 may extend through the ferrule 150 a with one through hole opening 384 on the inner surface 300 and the front through hole opening 504 on the outer surface 302. The tracing fiber 200 may be inserted into the through hole 306 via the through hole opening 384 on the inner surface 300. The tracing fiber 200 may be fed into the through hole 306 until reaching the front through hole opening 504. A tracing fiber end 506 is shown at the through hole opening 504.

The through hole 306 may be a small hole (e.g., an inner diameter of 125 μm) that runs along the axis of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The through hole 306 may enable the tracing fiber 200 to pass through the ferrules 150 a-150 b. The tracing fiber 200 may be secured within through hole 306 of the ferrules 150 a-150 b by glue. Any portion of the tracing fiber 200 that extends beyond the front through hole opening 504 on the outer surface 302 may be trimmed and then polished so that tracing fiber 200 may be flush to the outer surface 302 of the ferrules 150 a-150 b. In the example shown, the tracing fiber end 506 may be the polished end of the tracing fiber 200 that may be flush with the outer surface 302 of the ferrule 150 a.

The terms “may” and “generally” when used herein in conjunction with “is(are)” and verbs are meant to communicate the intention that the description is exemplary and believed to be broad enough to encompass both the specific examples presented in the disclosure as well as alternative examples that could be derived based on the disclosure. The terms “may” and “generally” as used herein should not be construed to necessarily imply the desirability or possibility of omitting a corresponding element.

The designations of various components, modules and/or circuits as “a”-“n”, when used herein, disclose either a singular component, module and/or circuit or a plurality of such components, modules and/or circuits, with the “n” designation applied to mean any particular integer number. Different components, modules and/or circuits that each have instances (or occurrences) with designations of “a”-“n” may indicate that the different components, modules and/or circuits may have a matching number of instances or a different number of instances. The instance designated “a” may represent a first of a plurality of instances and the instance “n” may refer to a last of a plurality of instances, while not implying a particular number of instances.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a ferrule configured to (i) direct light into a tracing fiber and (i) emit said light received from said tracing fiber; and a fan-out kit configured to receive from a cable jacket (i) said tracing fiber and (ii) one or more data carrying lines, wherein (i) said ferrule is within said fan-out kit, (ii) a front end of said ferrule is exposed exterior to said fan-out kit, (iii) said tracing fiber and said data carrying lines extend beyond said cable jacket to (a) enter said fan-out kit and (b) be exposed without said cable jacket within said fan-out kit.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein (i) said ferrule comprises a cap removably attached to said ferrule, (ii) said cap is configured to scatter said light to provide an omnidirectional emission of said light from said ferrule and (iii) removing said cap enables said light to be directed into said tracing fiber.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein (i) each of said data carrying lines is configured to enable a communication of data and (ii) said tracing fiber is configured to propagate said light without interrupting said communication of said data.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ferrule is implemented having a ceramic material.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ferrule has a diameter selected from one of a plurality of sizes.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ferrule has a cylindrical shape.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fan-out kit is configured to enable a fault locator device to fit over said ferrule and (ii) said fault locator device is configured to generate said light.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein (i) said ferrule is configured to route said data carrying lines to individual input/output cable jackets terminated with connectors and (ii) said ferrule and said tracing fiber operate independently of said individual input/output cable jackets terminated with connectors and said data carrying lines.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein emitting said light from said ferrule provides an indication of a location of an end of said cable jacket.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tracing fiber is glued into said ferrule to provide (i) mechanical protection and (ii) alignment with an external source of said light.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said tracing fiber is (i) glued within a through hole that extends along an axis from an inner surface to said front end of said ferrule and (ii) flush with said front end of said ferrule.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a first ferrule configured to direct light into a tracing fiber; a second ferrule configured emit said light; and a cable comprising (a) said tracing fiber and (b) data carrying lines, wherein (i) said tracing fiber is configured to propagate said light from said first ferrule to said second ferrule, (ii) said first ferrule is within a first fan-out kit and a front end of said first ferrule is exposed exterior to said first fan-out kit, (iii) said second ferrule is within a second fan-out kit and a front end of said second ferrule is exposed exterior to said second fan-out kit, and (vii) said tracing fiber and said data carrying lines extend beyond said cable to (a) enter said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit and (b) be exposed without a cable jacket within said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein (i) said first ferrule comprising and said second ferrule each comprise a cap, (ii) said cap is configured to scatter said light to provide an omnidirectional emission of said light from said second ferrule and (iii) removing said cap from said first ferrule enables said light to be directed into said tracing fiber by said first ferrule.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said tracing fiber is connected between said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit.
 15. An apparatus comprising: a cable jacket comprising (a) one or more data carrying lines and (b) a tracing fiber; a first fan-out kit (A) connected to a first end of said cable jacket, (B) comprising (i) a plurality of first cable jackets with connectors each (a) connected to one end of one of said data carrying lines and (b) configured to connect to a first communication port and (ii) a first ferrule protruding from said first fan-out kit and (C) configured to route said first end of said tracing fiber into said first ferrule; and a second fan-out kit (A) connected to a second end of said cable jacket, (B) comprising (i) a plurality of second cable jackets with connectors each (a) connected to another end of said data carrying lines and (b) configured to connect to a second communication port and (ii) a second ferrule protruding from said second fan-out kit and (C) configured to route said second end of said tracing fiber into said second ferrule, wherein (i) said tracing fiber within said first ferrule is configured to receive a light input, (ii) said tracing fiber is configured to propagate said light input to said second ferrule, (iii) said second ferrule enables said light input to be emitted, and (iv) said tracing fiber and said data carrying lines extend beyond said cable jacket to enter said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said first ferrule and said second ferrule enable tracing both ends of said cable jacket using said light input.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein (i) said apparatus is implemented in a data center comprising a plurality of cables and (ii) tracing both ends of said cable jacket using said light input enables distinguishing said apparatus from said plurality of cables.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said tracing fiber comprises a plastic fiber or a glass fiber and said first ferrule and said second ferrule each comprise a ceramic material.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit are each configured to (i) separate said tracing fiber from said data carrying lines to a respective output port of said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit and (ii) provide a path for each of said data carrying lines to connect to (a) one of said plurality of first cable jackets with connectors and (b) one of said plurality of second cable jackets with connectors.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein (i) said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit each comprise one or more strain relief features, (ii) said strain relief features are molded into a housing of each of said first fan-out kit and said second fan-out kit and (iii) said strain relief features are configured to (A) limit an amount of stretching of said tracing fiber and said data carrying lines and (B) route and separate each of said data carrying lines that are exposed without a jacket within (a) said first fan-out kit to an individual one of said plurality of first cable jackets with connectors and (b) said second fan-out kit to an individual one of said plurality of second cable jackets with connectors. 